Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
455. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if additional funding in addition to the €10 million recently announced will be made available to facilitate the resumption of day services and enhanced home support services for disability service users nationwide. [29683/20]
View answerI was pleased to announce with Minister Donnelly on September 28th that €10 million is being made available in 2020 to support the resumption of day services and enhanced home support services for disability service users. As issues around the resumption of disability day services are COVID specific, funding was sought from the National Action Plan on COVID-19.
Of this €10 million, €7.5 million will increase disability day services by one day a week for over 14,000 adults.
€2.5 million will provide 210 intensive support packages to enable children and young adults to remain at home and in their communities. These intensive support packages will enable young adults with complex or high support needs to remain at home or in their communities. The packages can combine in-home supports, respite and support in the community, based on individual need.
The additional funding will further support the resumption of day services, which began to gradually resume throughout August and September. However, it should be noted that capacity in day service locations will be reduced, in line with public health guidance. The HSE and service providers will keep this measure under review and as public health guidance evolves, capacity to provide supports will adapt accordingly. Both the HSE and service providers are committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.
Funding requirements for 2021 will be considered through the Estimates process.
